Retail Case Update: Suspension of Civil Jury Trials Extended

On March 2, 2021 the provincial government confirmed that it is extending the current suspension of civil jury trials in the British Columbia Supreme Court by an additional year. This decision forms part of the government’s ongoing effort to keep courts safe as a result of the pandemic.

Under the temporary suspension, civil jury trials will resume on October 8, 2022, with any trial taking place before this date to be heard by a judge alone. Unless the court orders otherwise, parties are currently prohibited from adjourning their trial to a later date to have the matter heard by a jury. Parties can file jury notices for trials that are scheduled for October 8, 2022, or later, beginning on March 29, 2021.

The Ministry of Attorney General announced they will also consider whether there are areas of civil litigation where permanent elimination of civil jury trials may be appropriate. We will be watching for this and will keep our readers apprised of any developments.